Sub-fonds NLW MSS 9015-31 - Owain Alaw manuscripts

John Owen (Owain Alaw, 1821-1883), musician, was born in Chester. While still very young he was appointed organist in Lady Huntingdon's chapel and conductor of the Octagon Orchestral Society. From 1844 he gave all his time to music and worked as a composer, organist and accompanist. He also possessed a fine baritone voice. His last appointment was to the Welsh chapel of St Mary's in Chester, where he served as organist, choirmaster and church secretary until the end of his life.

Hugh Jones (Erfyl, 1789-1858), writer, was uncle to John Owen (Owain Alaw) and nephew to Hugh Jones, Maesglasau (1749-1825), translator and hymnist. A cripple, Erfyl received a sound education which enabled him to earn a living as a schoolmaster and to turn his hand to writing. From 1835 to 1840 he edited Y Gwladgarwr and from 1844 to 1847 was one of those who undertook the translation of Y Beibl Darluniadol. In his latter years he oversaw the printing of Welsh books at Chester.